Post-traumatic arteriovenous malformation of the superficial temporal artery

An arteriovenous malformation is a rare vascular anomaly composed of a complex network of interconnected arteries and veins of the scalp. It is usually congenital, but infrequently occurs after trauma. Over the years, several terms have been used to describe these lesions, such as cirsoid/rasemose/arteriovenous aneurysm, plexiform angioma and aneurysma serpentinum, or arteriovenous fistula when a single connection exists. Head and neck malformations occur in 0.1% of the population. Involvement of the superficial temporal artery is rare, occurring in about 0.5% to 2.0% of cases. They are diagnosed by angiography and can be managed by endovascular or open resection. The case of a 23-year-old man who presented with a pulsatile head mass after blunt trauma 5 years prior is presented. This entity was diagnosed as an arteriovenous malformation supplied by the superficial temporal arteries. He subsequently underwent successful open exploration and resection. The information is presented with the patient's consent.